Westlake , Louisiana – A hit and run incident that left a bicyclist unresponsive in a ditch has resulted in the arrest of a Westlake man, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred on October 31, at approximately 2:00 p.m., in the 2600 block of Miller Avenue, near Smith Ferry Road.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Michael D. Welch, 41, of Westlake, unresponsive in the ditch. The preliminary investigation revealed that the incident was a hit and run, with Welch having been struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle involved in the incident was driven by Tylor B. Fontenot, 30, of Westlake. Detectives learned that Fontenot was traveling north on Miller Avenue when he struck Welch from behind. Fontenot then allegedly discarded the car hood in a dumpster behind a business in Sulphur, and attempted to conceal evidence by shaving off the part numbers from the hood prior to discarding it.
Fontenot was arrested on November 22 and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He was charged with felony hit and run and obstruction of justice. Fontenot was released the following day on a $90,000 bond set by Judge Tony Fazzio. As a condition of his release, Fontenot is required to use an ignition interlock device on his vehicle, an alcohol-detecting ankle bracelet, and is subject to random drug screenings. Additionally, he is prohibited from operating a vehicle without a valid license, committing any criminal activity, and having contact with known drug users or convicted felons.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.